Netanyahu Accuses Hamas of Violating Gaza Ceasefire Over Missing Hostage Shiri Bibas

TDT | Manama

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Hamas on Friday for what he called a "cruel and evil" violation of the Gaza ceasefire deal. This accusation stems from the failure of Hamas to return Shiri Bibas, a mother who was taken hostage along with her two young sons during the October 7, 2023, attack. Netanyahu vowed to "act with determination" to bring Shiri and all captives, both alive and deceased, back to Israel.

Hamas had previously handed over the remains of four hostages, including Bibas’ two children, Ariel and Kfir, and an elderly man, Oded Lifshitz. While Israeli forensic experts confirmed the identities of the children and Lifshitz, they stated that the body purported to be Shiri Bibas was not hers. Netanyahu claimed the body belonged to a Gazan woman, accusing Hamas of placing her remains in a coffin meant for Shiri.

The Bibas family’s abduction has become a symbol of the ongoing hostage crisis, with the two young boys, aged four and nine months at the time, being featured prominently in the media. In a video statement, Netanyahu accused Hamas of the "cruelty" of kidnapping not only the parents but also their children. “They failed to return Shiri to her little ones,” Netanyahu said, expressing outrage over the grave mistake and the failure to meet the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group advocating for the release of Israeli hostages, expressed its devastation that Shiri had not been returned as expected. The organization demanded accountability from both Hamas and Israeli leadership.

Hamas has acknowledged a possible "error or mix-up" in the handling of the bodies, blaming Israeli airstrikes for the confusion. However, Netanyahu doubled down on his criticism, stating, "Who kidnaps a little boy and a baby and murders them? Monsters. That's who." Despite the ongoing tension, Netanyahu has pledged to ensure Hamas faces severe consequences for this "cruel and evil" violation.

In the wider context of the ongoing conflict, Israeli authorities also reported that the next exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners would take place on Saturday, despite the recent controversy. Over 15 months of war have left Gaza in ruins, with more than 48,000 casualties reported in the region.

As the ceasefire enters its second phase, efforts are being made to negotiate a more permanent resolution. However, tensions continue to rise amid calls for action from both sides. Netanyahu has also ordered intensified operations in the West Bank in response to recent violence, signaling that the situation remains highly volatile.

The international community continues to watch the situation closely, with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia discussing a recovery plan for Gaza. Despite calls for negotiation, peace seems far from reach as both sides grapple with the aftermath of the devastating conflict.